Scientific Name(s): Cynotilapia afra, Paratilapia afra, Hemichromis afer

 

Common Name(s): Afra

 

Family: Cichlidae

 

Species Type: African Cichlids, Lake Malawi

 

Maximum Size: 4 inches

 

Life Span: 11 years

 

Natural Habitat: East African Lake Malawi

 

Minimum Tank Size: 55 gallons

 

Tank Region: All over

 

Possible Tank Mates: Other african cichlids

 

Description: Many caves and hiding places among rocks and pieces of slate are essential. The aquarium should be broken up into specific territories if more than one male is to be kept. Fine gravel or sand is required as the Afra will dig. Hard water with a high pH is essential.

 

Temperature Range: 72°F - 82°F

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pH Range: 7.8 - 8.6

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pH 9.0

 

Hardness Range: 10° - 20°

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Breeding Information: Keep a ratio of one male to three females. Many caves made from rocks are needed. The female is a mouth-brooder and cares for the young. The female should be moved to a birthing tank after she is holding eggs.

 

Sexing Information: Makes are brighter blue with black bars on body. Males tend to have more pronounced and brighter egg spots.

 

Diet: Omnivorous - feed vegetable based flake foods as a staple. Diet should be supplimented with brine shrimp and fresh green vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, romaine lettuce, spinach and peas.

 

Temperament: Aggressive and quite territorial

 

Common Diseases: Malawi Bloat - can be fatal if fed too much protein and fat.

 

This Afra profile has been viewed 1435 times.

 

Author

Keith Pardee